You’ve got your
Provisional Licence and you may or may not have already started your
driving lessons. Before you can even start thinking about your
Practical Driving Test you need to pass your Theory Test. For some
people this is a small hurdle to overcome, while some people worry so
much about the Theory Test that it becomes a real obstacle. Let me
reassure you. The Driving theory test almost certainly isn’t as
bad as you think.
How does the
driving theory test work?
There are two parts
to the Driving Theory Test, and you need to pass both in the same
sitting.
The first part is
the Multiple Choice part. You will have fifty multiple choice
questions to answer on all aspects of driving theory. Questions may
be about stopping distances, first aid, what road markings or signs
mean, considerate driving and many other scenarios you may come
across on the road. Some questions may require more than one answer,
or you may get several questions based on a brief case study. You
have fifty-seven minutes to answer the questions, and can “flag”
and go back to any you weren’t sure about. The pass mark is 43
questions correct out of 50. Provided that you prepare well there is
nothing to worry about. If you have a Special Educational Need, you
should let the test centre know about this when you book, as you can
hear the questions being read out with earphones, or can be allowed
extra time to complete the test.
The best ways to
prepare for the multiple choice part of the driving theory
test are:
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Read and digest The Highway Code
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The DVSA have provided an online learning programme, e-book, app, book and DVD to help with your preparation. As these are designed by the people who set the test, they are the very best preparation materials.
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You can also take a mock theory test provided by the DVSA on www.gov.uk/practise-your-driving-theory-test
The second part of
the test is the Hazard Perception Test. On the computer
screen you’ll be shown a short introductory video and then you will
see a series of fourteen video clips, each lasting approximately one
minute. Each clip will show an everyday road scene. In the clip you
will see several potential hazards, one or two of which could start
to develop to a point where you may need to change direction or
speed. When you spot a hazard beginning to develop, you click with
the mouse. The earlier in the developing hazard you click, the more
points you score for that clip. You need to score 44 out of 75 to
pass the Hazard Perception part of the test.
The best ways to
prepare for the Hazard Perception Test are:
-
Be aware of the road ahead whenever you are driving or as a passenger. What could constitute a hazard ahead? How soon does the driver (if that’s not you) notice the potential hazard and start taking action? You could ask another driver to give you a commentary of potential hazards they spot as you drive and see if you spotted them too.
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The DVSA provide an interactive DVD-ROM and there are several free online mock Hazard Perception tests available, and it’s very helpful to have a go at a few of them until you are confident with how the clicks score.
Top Theory Test
Tips
- Do your homework! The DVSA recommends about twenty hours revision and preparation for the test.
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Make sure that you know where the test centre is, and give yourself plenty of time to get there. Aim to be about thirty minutes early.
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Remember to take your photo-card provisional licence with you on the day.
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Before your test begins you get some time to familiarise yourself with the way the computer program and touch screen works with some practice questions. Make the most of this and flag up if there seem to be any problems with the technology or if there’s anything you don’t understand.
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In between the two parts of the test you get a three minute break. Use it to take some deep breaths, have a stretch and refocus ready for the Hazard Perception test.
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